Chapter 222 Leading Troops into Battle

On the day of Emperor Qianlong's birthday, just as Yongqi and the others had expected, all the activities were canceled, and everyone simply gathered together for a reunion dinner.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, the hunting grounds, and Consort Ling's birthday gradually dispelled the somber atmosphere, until it was completely dispelled on the sixth day of the tenth month after Consort Ling gave birth to the fifteenth prince, Yongyan.

Ten days after Consort Ling gave birth, Xiao Yanzi came to visit her and chatted with her.

"Your Majesty, I've come to see the little prince." Xiao Yanzi sat in front of Consort Ling's bed, looking at the little prince in Consort Ling's arms.

Consort Ling smiled and said, "You silly girl, why aren't you with Yongqi? What are you doing here?"

Little Swallow sighed, "But Father Emperor and Yongqi are both busy with important matters, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to go up there..."

A few years ago, Emperor Qianlong intended to allow women to participate in the imperial examinations, but the old conservatives in the court vehemently opposed it, even threatening suicide to dissuade him. Emperor Qianlong had no choice but to put the matter aside.

As for her, they said that she got things done in the Hui region by chance. If she had gone along and gotten involved, who knows what those civil officials would have said about her.

Indeed, everyone who has witnessed Xiao Yanzi's martial prowess admires her. Therefore, if Xiao Yanzi were willing to participate in the upcoming war between Annam and the Qing Dynasty, everyone would naturally be happy.

As for the civil officials, they naturally used a set of theories that women should stay at home to support their husbands and raise their children to shut up Qianlong and his ilk.

Seeing Xiao Yanzi's dejected look, Consort Ling comforted her, "Those civil officials are all old fogies; how could they understand how capable you are?"

"If those civil officials dare to stop you from going to the battlefield, even if your father and Yongqi don't intervene, those military officers will start fighting them first!"

"Then I'll take your kind words, Your Majesty."

That evening, Yongqi returned to his room and told Xiaoyanzi about the argument that had taken place during the day between the civil and military officials because of the fact that Xiaoyanzi, Xia Ziwei, and other female relatives were going to the battlefield.

"Little Swallow, Father and I really laughed. It was so entertaining."

Little Swallow asked curiously, "And what was the final result?"

Yongqi laughed and said, "Of course the military generals won, you, Ziwei, and Qing'er absolutely have to go!"

Little Swallow lay in Yongqi's arms, "It seems like we don't have many days left to rest..."

Yongqi nodded. "Yes, war is about to break out."

"Yongqi, tell me, what big move is Li Chengyun holding back? What other tricks does he have up his sleeve?"

Yongqi shook his head. "I don't know either. We can only proceed cautiously, one step at a time."

About ten days later, the three armies were ready to go. Emperor Qianlong stood on the high platform to see everyone off. "Annam has repeatedly invaded the borders of our Great Qing, harassed the people on the border, and has also framed Yongqi and Xiaoyanzi many times. Today, I hereby appoint Yongqi as the Grand General to lead the army to defeat Annam and show the power of our Great Qing!"

"Your subject obeys the decree and will certainly live up to Father Emperor's high expectations!"

"Your Majesty, please rest assured, we will certainly protect the Fifth Prince and all the nobles!"

The people participating this time—Yongqi, Xiaoyanzi, Fu'erkang, Xia Ziwei, Xiao Jian, and Qing'er—are all extremely precious. If anything happens to them on the battlefield, they're all doomed!

Little Swallow laughed and said, "Don't worry, everyone, we will definitely not let you down!"

What she really meant was that it's still uncertain who will protect whom in the end!

"Let's go!" Yongqi gave the order, then mounted his horse and rode at the front.

Xiao Yanzi, dressed in bright red armor, then mounted her horse and followed Yongqi, walking alongside him in front.

Fu Erkang, Xia Ziwei, Xiao Jian, Qing'er, and the others followed suit, and the army marched in an orderly fashion toward the battlefield they were heading to.

After a month's march, the army finally arrived at Zhennanguan, the border between Annam and Vietnam.

"Your subject, Chen Hongmou, Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi, pays respects to the Fifth Prince."

Yongqi, who was sitting above, waved his hand and said, "Lord Chen, please rise."

"I'm sure Lord Chen knows why Father Emperor sent me here this time."

Chen Hongmou smiled and said, "I do not know why His Majesty sent you here. I only know that the Fifth Prince came here to quell the rebellion and restore peace to the border people."

"Lord Chen is indeed a wise man."

Yongqi and his group discussed battle strategies for a long time.

Xiao Yanzi's rumbling stomach brought everyone back to their senses. Yongqi smiled and said, "Lord Chen, have someone prepare the meal."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will go immediately."

After dinner, Little Swallow stood on the city wall, gazing at the bright moon hanging in the sky, and thought, "I really hope the war will end soon."

"It's late, you should put your fur coat on so you don't catch a cold." Yongqi put the fur coat on Xiaoyanzi and then hugged her in his arms. "We're all here, and we'll definitely find a way to end the war as soon as possible."

Just as the two were about to go back to rest, they noticed some movement in the distance. Little Swallow couldn't believe it. "Is this a night raid?"

Yongqi snorted, "Knowing that we only arrived today and the soldiers still need to recover their strength, they launched a sneak attack at night. How despicable..."

Little Swallow smiled and said, "Luckily, we were prepared!"

Yes, although the main army arrived today along with the main force, the disciples of Xiao Yanlou, Wuxiang Valley, and Ziyun Sect did not arrive today.

Upon receiving the news, the others also came to the city wall. Xia Ziwei laughed and said, "Since these people dare to come today, let them taste what it's like to offend us!"

Seeing Xia Ziwei's expression, Qing'er couldn't help but laugh. "Why do I suddenly want to see them being tortured to the point of wishing they were dead by you guys..."

Yongqi and his men launched their attack before the other side could speak.

Then they saw the army below the city in complete chaos.

The arrows they shot were loaded with all sorts of good stuff: some were "laughing powder" that would make people laugh uncontrollably, some were "itchy" that would make people itch all over, and some were "aphrodisiacs"...

Even if Li Chengyun had skilled doctors under his command, it would be impossible for them to be so well-prepared!

Even if they had the antidote, it would be impossible for everyone to have it.

"Damn, Your Highness is absolutely right. They actually resorted to such underhanded tactics. This is outrageous!"

"I'm being stabbed to death, how can we fight this battle?"

"My God, there's pepper spray too?"

Qing Dynasty VS Annam

The Qing Dynasty wins!

The Annamese army, having been treated to delicious food by Xiao Yanzi and her friends, slunk away.

"Hahaha, we won!"

"The Fifth Prince is mighty, and the Fifth Princess Consort is amazing!"

"Great! We drove them away without losing a single soldier!"

Once everyone had calmed down, Little Swallow spoke up, "Today, they were just testing us, a small test. The real battle will begin tomorrow and beyond!"

"So everyone, go home and rest early. Tomorrow, we must keep up the good work and strive to defeat them as soon as possible so we can go home and reunite with our families!"

"Yes!" The voice of the Qing army resounded through the sky, putting the people at ease.

On the first night, disciples from Xiao Yanlou, Wuxiang Valley, and Ziyun Sect were responsible for dealing with the enemy.

Starting the next day, they joined forces with the Qing army to fight against the Annamite army.